The Pinnacle Take

The Pinnacle Take

By The Pinnacle SocietyBusinessCareers
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The Pinnacle Take episodes

  • Rebranding Your Destiny: Katherine Jerald’s $885K First Year, $261K DM Win, and GovCon Recruiting Secrets

    Are you ready to break through plateaus and build a recruitment business that truly scales? In this episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with aerospace and defense recruiting powerhouse Katherine Jerald to unveil the real story behind her first-year billings of $885K, including the secrets to landing a $261K direct message deal on LinkedIn and thriving in the lucrative GovCon sector. Katherine Jerald shares her journey from working in her father's recruiting office at age 12 to founding her own firm and scaling a high-performing team, all while tracking the metrics that matter and personal branding that converts leads into clients. Listeners will discover actionable strategies for LinkedIn business development, tips for dominating industry conferences, and the tools that streamline recruiting operations in today's competitive landscape.

    1. Scaling in Tough Markets: Learn how Katherine Jerald navigated family business legacies, personal setbacks, and market shifts to build a thriving recruiting firm outside of the conventional segments.

    2. LinkedIn & Conference Strategies: Explore her proven methods for driving 64% of new business through LinkedIn DMs, and practical advice for making industry conferences a goldmine for client development.

    3. Tracking Success & Accountability: Get a peek into the metrics and accountability tactics that fuel top billers inside the Pinnacle Society.

      Ready to redefine your recruiting career and business? Listen now and start implementing the systems and branding techniques shared by Katherine Jerald and Benjamin Mena. Follow Katherine on LinkedIn!



      Katherine Jerald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/ 

      Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/ 

      48 min
    4. How a $20M Recruiter Built a Winning Team: David Bradley’s Strategies for Consistent Success

      Want to unlock the secrets behind leading a high-performance recruiting team and consistently breaking seven figures in placement fees? This episode is your blueprint. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with David Bradley – Pinnacle Society standard bearer, $20M+ biller, and leader of a 60-person firm – for a no-holds-barred conversation on scaling, consistency, and cultural leadership in recruiting. If you’re a recruiter, talent acquisition pro, or firm owner ready to take your business development and team growth to the next level, you can’t afford to miss this one.

      Imagine a recruiting firm where 70% of $20 million placements are team split deals, offices span multiple cities, and culture pulls everybody up. David Bradley didn’t just build it—he remains hands-on, modeling best practices and inspiring even the highest billers on his squad. He breaks down:

      • The “standard bearer” mindset for recruiting leaders
      • How organic growth and hiring the right fit can fuel expansion—even during downturns
      • The “draft class” approach for sourcing and developing fresh talent
      • Culture as a retention and productivity superpower (plus, trips that deliver 12x ROI!)
      • The KPIs and tech stack that keep a 60-person team aligned, transparent, and thriving

        • This episode delivers actionable insights on everything from keeping recruiters accountable with transparency and KPIs, to building a self-managed, entrepreneurial culture where every desk is a profit center. Learn why you “can’t pay someone to do your pushups” in this industry, how to turn setbacks into seven-figure success, and the practical routines David uses to stay consistent year after year. Plus, how you can “go pro” as a new recruiter (ditch Plan B and outgrow your imposter syndrome fast!).

        Whether you’re scaling your recruiting business, aiming to develop high billers, or just looking for motivation to crush those tough months, David pulls back the curtain. Get inspired by proven strategies, real stories, and tactical advice for 2025’s talent market.

        Key Takeaways:

        1. Lead by Example: The “standard bearer” role means showing up, doing the work, and helping everyone else rise to your level.
        2. Culture Over Strategy: Incentive trips, team play, and retention focus trump rigid verticals or territories.
        3. Metrics Matter: Track phone time, presentations, and interviews religiously (David’s 10-5-2 formula), and use tech like Bullhorn to support transparency.
        4. Split Deals Supercharge Results: Collaboration and sharing jobs drive speed, quality, and team billings.
        5. Go Pro, No Plan B: Commit fully and play to your strengths, whether you’re a rainmaker or relationship builder.

          6. Ready to build a winning recruiting organization, crush KPIs, and model consistency? Hit play now! Subscribe, connect with host Benjamin Mena and guest David Bradley on LinkedIn, and check out the resources below to level up your career. If you want direct access to Summit replays, live roundtables, and a thriving community, join the Elite Recruiter Community today.

          If you want to connect with David Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bradley-39179a9/

          The Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

          49 min
        6. Why Top VCs Call This Recruiter First: The Power of Niche Mastery with Norman Volsky

          Why Top VCs Call This Recruiter First: The Power of Niche Mastery with Norman Volsky

          Are you striving to become the go-to recruiter in your niche—or even dreaming of playing an insider role in the next billion-dollar startup? In this dynamic episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Norman Volsky, a recruiting powerhouse and venture partner, to uncover the secrets behind dominating an industry vertical. From starting as an intern to transforming into the face of digital health and employee benefits recruiting, Norman Volsky reveals the mindset, strategies, and tools that set elite recruiters apart.

          What you’ll discover in this episode:

          1. Building Market Authority: How mastering a specific niche can lead you to exclusive partnerships, including investment opportunities with top VCs and early-stage startups.
          2. Leveraging Relationships for Scale: Actionable steps to turn current searches into new business, actively network with dream clients, and deliver value beyond recruiting alone.
          3. Systems, Team, and Strategy: Insights into team specialization, operational efficiency, and how to structure your practice for sustainable growth—without burnout.
          4. Long-Term Influence & Venture Capital: Norman Volsky unpacks how deep credibility, reputation, and relentless learning opened doors to lucrative equity deals and a thriving VC partnership.

            5.  

            Don’t miss this masterclass on standing out in recruitment, launching new revenue streams, and future-proofing your desk. Listen now and level up your recruiting game!

            Norman Volsky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normanvolsky/

            Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

            1 hr 20 min
          5. Record-Breaking Recruiting: How Rich Rosen Had His Best Month Ever (Mindset, Tech & Tactics for Crushing It in Any Market)

            Feeling frustrated by a slow job market or struggling to stand out among recruiters? In this must-listen episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with elite recruiter Rich Rosen, who unpacks how he shattered his own records—landing his biggest billing month ever after decades in the business.

            Tune in as Rich Rosen pulls back the curtain on the essential mindset, habits, and tools that separate consistently high-earning recruiters from the crowd—even when everyone else says the market is tough. Whether you’re a seasoned 360 recruiter or just starting out, this candid conversation is packed with actionable insights you'll want to apply immediately.

            1. Winning Mindset & Daily Habits: Discover how staying relentless, avoiding excuses, and working the phones for hours each day drives consistent placements and revenue, while still prioritizing work-life balance.
            2. Leveraging Tech + Old School Tactics: Learn why top billers use cutting-edge AI tools and automation—without abandoning proven fundamentals like phone time and direct client outreach.
            3. Business Development Mastery: Hear Rich Rosen’s secrets to irresistible BD pitches, high-response LinkedIn content, and how to consistently nurture a productive pipeline.

              4.  

              Ready to transform your results and make your next year your best ever? Listen now and grab the recruiting edge that top performers won’t share anywhere else!

               

              Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

              Rich Rosen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cstone1/

              47 min
            4. From Survival to Seven Figures: The Step-by-Step Playbook to Building a Million Dollar Recruiting Desk with Pree Sarkar

              Ready to level up your recruiting career and finally unlock the secrets to scaling a seven-figure desk? In this high-impact episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, Benjamin Mena sits down with elite recruiter Pree Sarkar, who shares his candid, step-by-step blueprint for turning survival mode into a million-dollar practice. They dive deep into the personal and professional identity shifts, strategic business development tactics, and process optimizations that separate the top 1% of recruiters from the rest.

              Drawing from Pree Sarkar’s own journey—from being laid off with a mortgage and a family to support, to building an international, multi-million dollar business—this episode is a must for recruiters serious about sustainable growth. Pree Sarkar unpacks his actionable approach: from identifying the crucial 20% of activities that drive results, to delegating and automating effectively, to building a powerful niche and leveraging high-impact business development like podcasts and content marketing.

              In this episode, you’ll discover:

              1. The ‘survival, sustainable, scalable’ progression that underpins every 7-figure recruitment desk.
              2. Proven business development strategies that really work, including leveraging content and relationships for high-value, long-term clients.
              3. Delegation, process, and mindset hacks to maximize your billings and free up time.
              4. The pivotal role of identity, consistent action, and learning in driving exponential recruitment success.

                5. Don’t miss this episode if you want practical frameworks, honest war stories, and a roadmap to sustainable recruiting success. Listen now, connect with the show, and start building your million-dollar future!

                 

                Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

                Pree Sarkar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/preesarkar/

                1 hr 8 min
              5. Why Niching Down Makes Recruiters Elite: Lessons from Luxury & the Pinnacle Society with Rob Bowerman

                Are you a recruiter looking to break through the noise, build true expertise, and stand out in a crowded industry? Discover the underrated power of niching down in this must-listen episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast. Host Benjamin Mena sits down with luxury recruitment expert and Pinnacle Society member Rob Bowerman, who shares the inside story of how focusing on consumer luxury brands propelled his firm to elite status.

                This episode is a goldmine for recruitment professionals at any career stage who want to master the art of specialization and client experience. Learn how Rob Bowerman transitioned from retail buyer to building a nationwide luxury search firm, and why going narrow but deep in a niche leads to lasting client relationships and premium branding.

                1. Expert Insights on Niche Recruiting: Uncover how identifying a niche, like luxury brands, can accelerate your success, boost your fill rate, and build candidate loyalty while managing referral-driven growth.
                2. Building a Premium Client Experience: Rob Bowerman reveals how adopting the luxury retail mindset transforms your candidate and client journey, creating an exclusive, sought-after brand as a recruiter.
                3. Tactical Advice for New and Experienced Recruiters: Get actionable strategies on business development, branding, leveraging technology, and maintaining longevity in recruiting—from communication to calendaring and team management.
                4.  

                  5. If you’re ready to shift from transactional to relationship-based recruiting and want to reach the pinnacle of your niche, tune in now for actionable tactics, real stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at best practices from the luxury and Pinnacle Society recruiting worlds. Listen and grow your recruiting career with proven approaches straight from the top.

                   

                  Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

                  Rob Bowerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbowerman/

                  59 min
                5. Breaking the Recruiting Plateau: How Justis Pederson Went from Burnout to $1.5M with Digital Transformation and Sobriety

                  Are you a recruiter feeling trapped by stagnant billings and relentless burnout? Looking for proven tactics to break through your plateau and reignite your passion for the business? This episode of The Pinnacle Take Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Mena, welcomes powerhouse guest Justis Pederson, president and CEO of The Peterson Group, as he unpacks his transformational journey from plateaued recruiter to hitting $1.5M in revenue—all while forging a new lifestyle.

                  Discover how Justis Pederson leveraged door-to-door sales grit, specialized industry focus, and a bold digital transformation to revolutionize his recruitment practice in construction and engineering. Learn the game-changing mindset shifts and strategies that propelled him past his barriers, and uncover the ROI of creative, industry-specific content on LinkedIn. Plus, hear candid insights into how embracing sobriety translated into exponential business and personal growth.

                  Key takeaways:

                  1. Mindset & Niching Down: Learn how identifying and committing to a specialized recruiting niche accelerates long-term success and client relationships.
                  2. Digital Transformation: Explore practical content tactics—from copywriting to client spotlight videos—that generate inbound leads and top-quality candidates.
                  3. Personal Reinvention: Understand how prioritizing wellness and personal development can directly impact your recruiting effectiveness and business results.

                    4. Tune in now to reshape your recruiting trajectory, break through the ceiling, and create the thriving life and career you deserve!

                     

                    Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

                    Justis Pederson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justis-pederson-a3b091a4/

                    54 min
                  4. How to Thrive When the Market Tanks: Sean Rigsby’s Playbook for Recruiters Facing Chaos

                    What does it take to not only survive, but thrive when the recruiting market is turned upside down? In this eye-opening episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with veteran recruiter and Pinnacle Society member Sean Rigsby, who shares his 30+ years of lessons in building a resilient desk—even when faced with market downturns, political chaos, and sudden industry shifts. From his humble beginnings (where he was “last man standing” out of 100 new hires!) to leading Rigsby Search Group through multiple recessions, Sean reveals real-world strategies for recruiters determined to outlast unpredictable markets.

                    1. Adapting When Everything Changes: Learn exactly how Sean pivoted his niche and business model in response to national legislation, budget freezes, and industry-wide cutbacks—plus how to spot where opportunity still exists when the usual job orders disappear.
                    2. Relationship-Driven Business Development: Discover why Sean’s “unsales” approach and high-touch client relationships led all his clients to follow him when launching his own agency.
                    3. Mindset and Execution During Uncertainty: Get practical tips for maintaining focus, doubling workflow, and managing distractions for peak productivity—even through the roughest stretches. Whether you’re a recruiter navigating the current market turmoil, struggling with candidate engagement, or looking to move up the ranks, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you stay ahead.

                      4. Don’t miss this candid conversation—listen now and unlock the exact playbook you need to come out stronger than ever!

                      Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

                      Connect with Sean Rigsby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanrigsbyenvironmentalrecruiter/

                      57 min
                    4. Unfiltered Insights: How Michael Silverstein Builds Elite Recruitment Teams

                      Ready to break free from the recruiting hamster wheel and discover the strategies top billers use to scale their success? In this eye-opening episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Michael Silverstein, a powerhouse recruiter consistently one of the top in the industry. Michael reveals how he leveraged his toughest years—starting in 2008’s economic downturn—to build not just a desk, but an entire healthcare tech and life sciences practice at Direct Recruiters.

                      Listeners will uncover:

                      1. Relationship-Driven Success: Mike shares his playbook for developing authentic, high-value connections, building a networking “mafia” of 650+ industry leaders, and becoming the go-to trusted advisor in his space.

                      2. Scalable Business Development: Discover how Mike’s uniquely curated networking group serves as his #1 source of inbound business and lucrative search assignments from VCs, PEs, and top operators.

                      3. Team-Building & Leadership: Learn how Mike develops entrepreneurial recruiters, focusing on long-term partnership over transactional hiring—and why cultivating loyalty to people, not just companies, is the real competitive advantage.

                        If you want to elevate your recruiting career, master referral-based business development, and future-proof your desk, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss. Listen now to seize actionable insights from an industry leader who’s truly off the treadmill.


                        The Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

                        Michael Silverstein LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsilverstein123/

                        56 min
                      4. Unlocking the Million-Dollar Desk: How Elite Recruiters Master Business Development with Katharine Wilcox

                        Are you ready to unlock the keys to consistent top billing and transform your approach to business development in recruiting? In this powerful episode of the Pinnacle Take Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with distinguished Pinnacle Society member Katharine Wilcox. From her start in Hollywood’s talent agency world to running a thriving Atlanta-based executive search firm, Katharine shares how authentic relationship-building and relentless hustle have fueled her success.

                         

                        This episode is packed with proven strategies and real-world advice for recruiters at all levels striving to elevate their business development game:

                        1. Relationship-Driven Business Growth: Learn how Katharine transitioned from talent agent to elite recruiter, mastering the art of relationship-based business development that consistently delivers repeat clients and team build-outs.
                        2. Effective Local Market Strategies: Discover how focusing deeply on a local market, while staying open to new verticals, can drive sustainable revenue and personal referrals.
                        3. Tactical Hustle and Everyday Excellence: Katharine gives a behind-the-scenes look at her daily discipline, time-blocking, and how she leverages every conversation for lasting impact.
                        4. Actionable Tips for Aspiring Millon-Dollar Billers: Gain practical advice on self-management, surrounding yourself with the right people, and leading with authenticity.

                          5.  

                          Tune in to gain actionable insights and redefine your approach to business development. Listen now and take your recruitment career to the next level!

                          Pinnacle Society: https://pinnaclesociety.org/

                          Connect with Katharine Wilcox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinewilcox/

                          56 min

                        About The Pinnacle Take

                        From the publisher's feed

                        Welcome to The Pinnacle Take, the podcast powered by the Pinnacle Society — an exclusive network of the top 1% of recruiters across North America. Each episode dives deep into the minds of elite search professionals who consistently achieve industry-leading results. From proven business development strategies to candidate mastery, leadership insights, and navigating market shifts, you’ll hear what it truly takes to reach the highest levels of success in recruiting.